The Country Wife

Originally performed and published in 1675, this famous five-act play parodies the vices, lusts, and hypocrisies of Restoration London. The plot centers on Margery, a naive country wife whose intensely jealous husband tries to keep her isolated from London’s corrupting influences. However, during a rare trip out, she meets Mr. Horner—a notorious rake who has spread a false rumor that he is impotent so married men will let their guard down and grant him easy access to their wives. Filled with bawdy humor, double entendres, and sharp satire, this comic farce explores human folly and deception.